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Safety and compliance are the bedrock of Aerial Field Services’ operations. We understand that when you hire a drone service provider, you’re entrusting us with not only your project but also the responsibility to operate legally and safely. That’s why AFS has obtained all necessary licenses, certifications, and regulatory clearances to conduct our work, and we have strict protocols in place to maintain the highest standards. In this section, we detail our FAA certifications, pilot training, safety protocols, and how we comply with industry regulations – so you can have full confidence in our credibility and professionalism.
All our drone operations are led by FAA-certified remote pilots. In the United States, any commercial drone use (like the services we provide) requires a licensed pilot under FAA’s Part 107 regulations. Rest assured, every AFS pilot has passed the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test and holds a current Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification means our pilots understand the national airspace system, weather effects, aircraft performance, and the rules governing drone flight – such as keeping visual line of sight, staying under 400 feet altitude, and avoiding manned aircraft . By strictly adhering to Part 107, we ensure that our flights are legal and safe.
Moreover, because we perform specialized operations like nighttime flights or flights over people when needed, we secure the proper waivers from the FAA. For example, we have waivers that allow for night operations with appropriate anti-collision lighting, following FAA’s guidelines for nighttime drone flight. We also stay compliant with the new Remote ID rule (which as of 2023/2024 requires drones to broadcast identification info) by using drones that have Remote ID built-in or adding modules where necessary. This ensures transparency to authorities and others about our drone’s identity and location during flights, further cementing our compliance.
One area that sets us apart is our compliance in aerial spraying. Applying pesticides or fertilizers via drone is regulated under FAA Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operations), which traditionally covered crop dusters and manned spray planes . Aerial Field Services has gone through the rigorous process to obtain the necessary exemptions and certifications to conduct drone spraying legally. We worked with the FAA to get a Part 137 certificate for UAS operations, meaning we have demonstrated our knowledge, procedures, and safety measures specific to dispensing chemicals by drone.
This process included showing detailed operational manuals, pilot training specific to spraying, maintenance routines, and we had to prove our ability to meet similar safety standards as manned operations (like proper loading, avoiding populated areas, etc.). The FAA has started streamlining drone spray approvals , and AFS is at the forefront, being one of the first in our region to secure these approvals. What this means for our agricultural clients is that we’re not doing this under the radar; it’s fully legal and sanctioned. Many farmers are rightly concerned about whether drone spraying is allowed – with AFS, you can be assured it is, because we’ve got the FAA’s sign-off to do it. We also coordinate with local air traffic control when spraying near airports and follow Section 137 rules like marking our drones appropriately and maintaining certain distances from people and properties not involved in the operation.
In addition to FAA licenses, we have obtained any state-level certifications required. For instance, since we handle pesticides, our personnel includes licensed pesticide applicators as per Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements. We ensure the chemicals we apply are handled by someone with the proper category certification (e.g., aerial application, if required by the state). This is important because it means we understand chemical labels, application rates, safety precautions for handling and mixing, and emergency procedures for spills or exposures. Essentially, we marry the aviation knowledge with agronomic chemical knowledge.
We also maintain any necessary insurance for our operations. We carry liability insurance that covers drone operations (many general liability policies don’t cover aviation by default, but we have specialized coverage). This protects both us and our clients in the unlikely event of an incident causing property damage or injury. While we have never had to file a claim due to our strong safety record, insurance is a non-negotiable part of operating responsibly.
Our team’s qualifications go beyond the minimum certifications. AFS invests in continuous training to ensure our pilots are at the top of their game. Here are some key aspects:
– Manufacturer Training: Our pilots undergo training programs for the specific drone models we use. For example, they have completed DJI’s Enterprise training courses for operating the Agras T50 and Matrice series. These courses dive deep into the systems – teaching optimal flight planning for spraying, emergency handling (like how to safely ditch the drone if needed), and advanced use of features (such as the AI functions on the Matrice). This level of familiarity means our pilots can maximize the tech and respond calmly to any hiccup.
– Safety Drills: We conduct regular safety drills and simulations. Before the busy season each year, the team runs through “lost link” scenarios (when a drone loses connection, verifying that return-to-home engages correctly) and emergency landing drills at our test field. We also simulate incidents like GPS signal loss or high-wind encounters to practice manual control skills. Being prepared for emergencies is key to preventing accidents.
– OSHA and Job-site Safety: When operating on construction or industrial sites, our crew follows OSHA guidelines just like any other contractor. We wear required PPE (helmets, high-visibility vests, safety glasses, etc.) and attend site safety orientations if required by the client. Our pilots are trained to be situationally aware on job sites – for example, coordinating with site managers so that we don’t fly over active crane operations or large groups of workers, which could pose risks. We essentially integrate into the safety culture of the site, rather than operate as a separate entity.
– Privacy and Ethics: We train our staff on respecting privacy. During flights, we focus only on the task at hand. We avoid capturing imagery of adjacent properties not relevant to the project, and if we inadvertently do, we handle it sensitively (often blurring or not sharing that portion). We comply with local privacy laws and any client requests for confidentiality. Data security training is also given – our pilots and analysts handle the data we collect with care, storing and transferring it securely (using encrypted drives or secure cloud services as needed).
Our commitment to training is continuous. We encourage and sponsor our pilots to attend workshops, conferences, and obtain additional relevant certifications. Some team members have certifications in thermography (for better interpreting thermal images) or GIS certifications, which enhance our overall service quality. The bottom line is, we don’t just meet the bare minimum – we strive to be industry leaders in knowledge and skill, because that translates into a better, safer service for you.
Safety is at the core of every mission we fly. Aerial Field Services has a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual that outlines how we conduct planning, execution, and post-flight activities with safety in mind. Here are some key components:
– Pre-Flight Checklists: Before each flight, we perform a thorough pre-flight check. This includes checking the drone airframe for any damage or loose components, verifying battery health and charge level, confirming the GPS and compass are calibrated and free of interference, and ensuring all sensors (like obstacle avoidance) are functional. We also verify that the weather conditions are within safe limits – wind speed, temperature, visibility, and cloud ceiling are all evaluated. If the job is near controlled airspace or other sensitive areas, we double-check that we have the required clearance or authorization (via FAA’s LAANC system for airspace, for instance).
– Site Survey and Risk Assessment: When we arrive at a new site, we first do a walk-around to identify any hazards. This could be power lines, trees, buildings, or in the case of a farm, things like pivot irrigation equipment that might start unexpectedly. We establish a safe takeoff and landing zone, cordoned off if necessary, to keep bystanders at a safe distance. We brief everyone involved (including the client if they’re present) about where they should stand and our signals/communication during flight. If multiple drones or teams are working, we set clear radio communication channels and deconfliction plans.
– During Flight Monitoring: While one pilot may control the drone, AFS often uses a two-person crew for more complex missions – a pilot in command and a visual observer. The visual observer’s job is to keep eyes on the drone at all times and scan the sky for any incoming aircraft or other hazards. Under FAA rules, we always yield to manned aircraft. If an airplane or helicopter is approaching, we will descend or land immediately, even if we have a legal right to be there – safety comes first. We also monitor battery levels closely and have predefined “return to home” thresholds (for example, if a drone battery hits 30% we wrap up the mission or head back, rather than pushing the limits).
– No-Fly Conditions: We strictly avoid certain conditions. For instance, no flying in thunderstorms or when lightning is in the area, even if it’s not directly overhead. We won’t fly if winds exceed the drone’s rated capacity (which for our drones might be around 20-25 mph for safe control). We also follow the rule of not flying over uninvolved people. For construction or farm jobs this is usually easy (controlled site), but in public areas we take precautions like doing work early mornings or setting up perimeter observers to prevent people from wandering under the drone’s path. If a crowd forms to watch (which sometimes happens out of curiosity), we will pause and ask them to move back, or adjust our operations to a safer location.
– Equipment Redundancies: Our Matrice 300, for example, has dual batteries; it can actually tolerate one battery failing. Nonetheless, we always install two fresh batteries and don’t fly if one is showing any signs of abnormality. We carry spares of critical items so that a broken propeller or a lost GPS signal due to a damaged antenna doesn’t end the operation – we can swap out components. This reduces the temptation to “just try and finish the job” with compromised equipment, which we never do. If something can’t be fixed on site to meet our standards, we reschedule – but our preparation usually prevents that.
– Post-Flight: After landing, we do a post-flight inspection. We also log every flight (time, duration, any issues) in our flight log system. If there was any anomaly – perhaps a brief sensor glitch or a bird flying near the drone – we note it, and we discuss it in internal debriefs to continuously improve. Maintenance needs identified are addressed before the next flight. We also secure all data collected and handle any client-specific data protocols (like handing off SD cards to the client on-site if required, or wiping data after delivering results if contractually obliged).
Following these protocols not only keeps everyone safe, it also demonstrates our professionalism. Many clients in construction or energy have commented that our safety practices mirror those of much larger engineering firms or industrial contractors, which gives them confidence. We believe that’s crucial; drones are new to some workplaces, and showing that we operate with the same diligence as any other contractor helps integrate our services smoothly into the project.
Beyond direct flight rules, AFS adheres to all applicable industry regulations and standards. Here are a few:
– Privacy Laws: We comply with state and federal privacy laws related to aerial surveillance. For example, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a specific drone privacy law, but we operate as if common-sense privacy is law – not collecting personal data where there’s an expectation of privacy. If we were doing a roof inspection in a suburban neighborhood, we wouldn’t film the neighbor’s backyard where people are present. We also entertain specific client requests, like avoiding certain areas or times to respect privacy of neighbors.
– Data Security Compliance: Some of our clients (especially in energy) require that any imagery of critical infrastructure be handled securely. We comply with CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) recommendations for protecting sensitive data. Practically, this means we store data on encrypted drives, we transfer files over secure methods, and we restrict access to only the personnel who need it. If requested, we sign NDAs regarding the data and follow any IT protocols the client has for data exchange.
– Maintenance and Airworthiness: We treat our drones akin to how manned aircraft are treated in terms of maintenance. The FAA doesn’t yet require drone maintenance logs by law, but we keep them. We track the hours on each motor, the charge cycles on each battery, etc. If a component is approaching its recommended lifespan from the manufacturer, we preemptively replace it. This kind of compliance with manufacturer guidelines is just good practice to ensure airworthiness of our fleet. If the FAA inspects our operations, they will find thorough documentation and well-maintained equipment.
– Environmental Regulations: When doing spraying, we follow EPA and state environmental regulations for pesticides. We only spray approved substances and strictly adhere to label instructions (e.g., respecting no-spray buffer zones near water sources, avoiding spraying in high winds to prevent drift). We keep records of each spraying operation including what chemical, how much, and where – as required for pesticide applicators. This can be important if there’s ever a question or audit from state agriculture departments.
– Insurance and Liability Compliance: We ensure our insurance policy meets or exceeds coverage minimums that clients expect. Some industries require contractors to have a certain amount of liability coverage (often $1 million or more); we meet those requirements. We can provide a Certificate of Insurance to any client who needs proof. This is part of compliance with contractual obligations and just prudent risk management.
– Staying Updated: Regulations in the drone world evolve. For instance, Remote ID rules became enforceable in 2023/2024, requiring drones to broadcast an ID signal. We made sure to update our drones or add modules as needed to be compliant ahead of the deadline. We are also following developments in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) regulations – currently, routine BVLOS flight isn’t broadly allowed without waivers, but the FAA is working on it. AFS is prepared to quickly comply with new standards, and even partake in pilot programs if possible, to continue offering cutting-edge services within the bounds of the law.
All these certifications and compliance efforts boil down to one goal: building trust with our clients and stakeholders. We want you to know that when Aerial Field Services is on the job, every measure has been taken to do things the right way. Regulatory compliance isn’t just bureaucratic box-checking for us; it’s woven into our company culture of professionalism. We liaise with local authorities when needed – for example, notifying local farmers and neighbors before a spraying operation, or coordinating with a construction site safety officer before a flight. This openness and diligence help communities become comfortable with our drone activities, which in turn reflects well on our clients who hire us.
In any proposal or project kickoff, we are happy to outline our compliance measures and show evidence of our licenses and insurance. Many RFPs now ask for this information, and we come prepared with it. We’ve found that our emphasis on safety and compliance has often been a deciding factor in clients choosing us over competitors. They see that we don’t cut corners.
In summary, Aerial Field Services operates with full credibility and adherence to the rules. From FAA pilot certification and specialized spraying permissions to thorough safety protocols and data security, we cover all the bases. This not only keeps us on the right side of the law but, more importantly, keeps people safe and clients protected. When you work with AFS, you’re not just getting quality drone services – you’re getting a partner who is responsible, trustworthy, and committed to doing things the correct way every single time. That peace of mind is part of the value we provide, and it’s why many of our clients turn into long-term partners after experiencing our level of professionalism. Let us handle the skies, and we’ll do so with safety and compliance as our North Star.